Users of MindSphere open IoT platform form a global group

05 February, 2018

Siemens is setting up a global organisation for users of its MindSphere cloud-based open IoT operating system, in partnership with 18 companies, including Festo, Heitec, Kuka, Rittal, Sick and Trumpf. The aim is to expand the global reach of the ecosystem based on MindSphere.

The organisation, called MindSphere World, will also help members to develop and improve IoT solutions on the MindSphere platform and to tap new markets in the digital economy. It will make recommendations on rules for using data, as well as promoting science, research, and teaching in the MindSphere environment.

“The foundation of MindSphere World represents another major step forward in promoting the ecosystem surrounding MindSphere as an open IoT platform,” says Siemens board member, Klaus Helmrich. “The broad-based expertise and the offering of all the MindSphere World partners will open up totally new digitalisation potential for users everywhere.”

MindSphere World’s inaugural meeting took place recently in the new 13,000m2 MindSphere OpenSpace development and work environment in Factory Berlin – an initiative supported by the German Government, Siemens and other companies, that brings established technology companies together with developers and start-ups.

Helmrich: opening up new digitalisation potential for users

MindSphere World’s management board is being chaired by Jan Mrosik, CEO of Siemens’ Digital Factory division. “By bringing together a worldwide community comprising industrial and IT companies of all sizes from all sectors of industry, as well as start-ups, we aim to establish and drive forward an eco-system based on MindSphere,” he says. Initially, the organisation is focusing its activities in Germany (with a Web site in German only), before expanding globally.

One role for MindSphere World members will be to recommend standards for MindSphere-based apps. “We'll also be drawing up suggested solutions for enabling interoperability between different MindSphere-based solutions,” explains Andreas Oroszi, a senior vice-president in Festo’s Digital Business and a MindSphere World board member.